Long table provides valuable experience for Navy chefs

Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics-Chef (ML-C) Dawn Kenwright and Seaman ML-C Joah Walford cover one of the paellas dishes for the Long Table Lunch at the Rockingham Foreshore Beach.

The chefs at HMAS Stirling, in Western Australia, have recently been getting the chance to mix their skills with some of the best in the business.

On 19 March, a number of Maritime Logistics Chefs were involved in the Rockingham Long Table Lunch, a showcase of local produce and foodie talent.

Organised by the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce, and held on the pristine sands of the Rockingham Beach Foreshore, adjacent to Naval Memorial Park, the event brought together some of the area’s finest chefs, including five from Navy.

The Chamber of Commerce President Karen Court said Navy was invited to take part in the event because of the quality of the food produced by Navy chefs, and because Navy is such a big part of the local community.

“The Chamber of Commerce is committed to strengthening ties between the local business community and the Royal Australian Navy who we view as being vital to the ongoing economy of our area,” she said.

Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics - Chef Dawn Kenwright was one of the chefs taking part in this year’s event and said it was obvious Navy’s presence was appreciated on the day.

“We were constantly being approached by guests when they realised we were Navy chefs and we received plenty of positive comments,” she said.

As well as Leading Seaman Kenwright, the other Navy members involved were Able Seamen Tessa Wheeler and Matthew Scott, and Seamen Joshua Walford and Olivia How.

The Rockingham event provided valuable experience for Stirling’s chefs who will also take part in next month’s Breast Cancer Care Western Australia’s Long Table Lunch for the ninth consecutive year.

The event is Breast Cancer Care Western Australia’s signature fundraising event and last year raised almost $345,000 for supporting people with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Care Western Australia Event and Sponsorship Coordinator Brenda Sharp said her organisation was grateful for the ongoing support of Navy.

“The Navy chefs have an important role to play in making our event possible and help in delighting our guests – we simply couldn’t do it without Navy,” she said.

Breast Cancer Care Western Australia’s Long Table Lunch will take place on 3 April at the Claremont Showgrounds.